Simple Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

Simple Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

Smoked gruyère cheese powers this comfort classic

Have you mastered the Food Republic best basic mac-n-cheese recipe yet? If so, and even if you haven’t, we think it’s time you tackled the next step. This simple mac-n-cheese recipe offers up the very same Zen-like balance of melted cheese and soft noodle goodness as the original. But switching from the usual cheddar to a smoked gruyère gives this mac-n-cheese hidden smoky depths. Serve some Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on the side for a kick.

Simple Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

Serving Size:
6 servings

Ingredients

1
pound
macaroni

1
cup
plain bread crumbs

1
teaspoon, plus more to taste
salt

1
teaspoon, plus more to taste
freshly ground black pepper

8
tablespoons (1 stick)
unsalted butter, half melted

3
tablespoons
flour

3
cups
milk, warmed

1
teaspoon
smoked paprika

9
ounces
smoked Gruyere cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill a large pasta pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a hefty pinch of salt, and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta, return to the pot, and add 1 tablespoon butter. Toss to coat, and set aside.

Combine the breadcrumbs and parsley in a small bowl. Season with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add the melted butter and combine with a fork. It's okay if clumps to form. Set aside.

In a heavy bottomed 2-quart saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, until blond and bubbling. Stir constantly, and do not let brown.

Add a little of the milk to the flour butter mixture and whisk to combine. The mixture will look like scrambled eggs. Slowly add the remaining milk in a steady stream, stirring with a whisk to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 6 to 8 minutes. This is your bechamel sauce.

Remove the bechamel from the heat. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Fold in a little more than half of the grated cheese. Add to the pasta and fold to combine.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch glass casserole dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top, creating an even coating. Top with the remaining grated gruyere.